Under the Lord of Hell

My name is Xie Yun, and my story begins with the "Ghost-Barricaded Door" that haunted my birth.

When I was born, my mother had only just entered the east room of our house when the waiting relatives outside heard the cry of a newborn from within. Someone even wondered aloud, “The child’s born already? That was awfully quick! How long could it have taken?” Before that person could finish, the sound of crying came again from the room—and not just a single child, but the wailing of many, as though a dozen infants were sobbing at once, their voices echoing from the beams, the floor, the kang, everywhere.

My grandfather’s face changed immediately. He no longer cared about what was happening inside—he rushed to the door, trying to force it open, but it wouldn’t budge, as if something from within was holding it shut. Growing frantic, he stomped his feet outside, shouting, “Woman, what are you doing in there? What’s that racket?” My grandmother, her voice hoarse, called back, “Don’t interfere!” Then she fell silent, but inside, the children’s cries only grew louder.

My grandfather hurried away, grabbing my father by the collar. “Tell me—while I was gone, what did your mother do?” My father stammered, “I—I don’t know!” With a slap, my grandfather cut him off. “Now’s no time for lies! The ghosts have barred the door and you’re still keeping secrets?” My father, near tears, replied, “I really don’t know what she did! Just that… just that…” My grandfather grew even more agitated. “Speak! If you don’t tell me everything today, I’ll break your legs.”